A Canadian work permit allows foreign nationals to work legally in Canada. Understanding the different types, eligibility requirements, and application process is essential whether you plan to work temporarily or use it as a stepping stone to permanent residence.
Two Main Types of Work Permits
Open work permits allow you to work for any employer in Canada (with a few exceptions), in any location, for the duration specified on the permit. You don't need a specific job offer to get most open work permits. Examples include post-graduation work permits (PGWP), spousal open work permits (for spouses of certain workers and students), and bridging open work permits for people with a pending PR application.
Closed (employer-specific) work permits are tied to a specific employer, location, and sometimes a specific position. If you leave or change employers, your work permit may no longer be valid and you would need a new one. The vast majority of work permits issued through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) are employer-specific.
LMIA-Based Work Permits
Many employer-specific work permits require the employer to first obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). An LMIA is a document that confirms there are no qualified Canadian citizens or PRs available to fill the position, justifying the hiring of a foreign worker. The employer applies and pays the $1,000 LMIA fee (per position). Once a positive LMIA is issued, the foreign worker applies for a work permit using the LMIA number.
LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
Many categories of workers are exempt from the LMIA requirement under federal agreements or policy. Key exempt categories include: CUSMA / USMCA (formerly NAFTA): American and Mexican professionals in certain occupations can obtain Canadian work permits without an LMIA. Intra-company transfers: Employees of multinational companies transferring to a Canadian branch or affiliate. International Experience Canada (IEC): Young adults (age 18-35) from over 30 partner countries can get open work permits under the Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op streams. Spousal open work permits: Spouses of certain workers and international students can work for any employer without an LMIA. Significant benefit: Artists, researchers, and workers who provide significant social, cultural, or economic benefit to Canada may qualify for LMIA-exempt permits under various categories.
How to Apply Online
Most work permit applications are submitted online through the IRCC portal. You will need: a valid passport, digital photos meeting IRCC specifications, the job offer letter from your employer (showing position, wage, hours, and duration), LMIA approval number (if required) or exemption code, language test results (if required for your stream), and the application fee ($155 CAD for a single work permit application). Biometrics may also be required if you haven't given them recently. After submitting, you will receive a biometrics instruction letter if needed. Once approved, you receive a port of entry letter (if applying from outside Canada) or a new work permit document (if extending from within Canada).
Working While Your Application Is in Progress
If you are already in Canada on a valid work permit and apply to extend or change your permit before the current one expires, you are allowed to continue working under the same conditions as your existing permit while IRCC processes your new application (implied status). This is a critical rule — if you let your permit expire before applying, you lose implied status and must stop working.